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Suarez Bakery & Barra

4.4 (90 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

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Alan S.

Very good Cuban eatery inside the beautiful Optimist Hall food court, which I must profess to be one of the more beautiful and well-stocked food halls I've visited anywhere in the country. I was actually on my way to Botiwala when Suarez caught my eye, and I couldn't help but stop for a cafe con leche (which was excellent). Once I ordered a cafe con leche, then the rice bowl with chickpeas caught my eye too, and well then all plans were off. The chickpea stew itself was good, but the real stars of the show were the delectable pickled onions and Cuban black beans. I do really regret not trying any of the baked goods.

Ashley F.

I love grabbing a coffee from Suarez Bakery in Optimist Hall. Today was no different. I was meeting coworkers and got to grab a cafe con leche, iced with oat milk. YUMMY! They also have really amazing looking pastries and donuts and they're huge. A great spot for sweets in OH.

Andrew K.

With the many options nearby, this would have been easy to skip but I am super glad we did not. The Cuban sandwich was delightful. The cheese was perfectly gooey with a great amount of delicious meat. The bread was just crispy enough and not overly soggy as these sandwiches sometimes are. Grabbed the plantains which is always a must, as well. I didn't super care for the green sauce the sandwich came with but it really doesn't need it. And the sandwich itself was huge, always a plus.

Cubano sandwich
Daisy G.

I've been craving a really good Cuban sandwich lately. We got this Cuban sandwich from Suarez which satisfied my cravings! I did wish it had some more mustard in it. Maybe ask for more sauce if you're a saucy person who doesn't like dryer sandwiches. Would come back though!

Delicious pastries every time. Located in Optimist Hall. Too many goodies to choose from. Cookies, donuts, brownies.
Stacey A.

Love this spot! Pastries are always delicious. Located in optimist hall. Too much to choose from. Cookies, donuts, brownies. Definitely a treat to yourself

Café con leche

Great Food & Service! Fantastic food shop with fresh, high-quality products and friendly staff. Everything was delicious and well presented. Clean, organized, and a joy to visit. Highly recommend!

Tres leches cake and Strawberry Chiffon
Kaicey W.

No visit to Optimist Hall will be complete without getting some desserts to go at Suarez. Browsing their selections makes me feel like a kid in a candy store! Of course I was far too full to eat any of them at the time, but trust me, they travel well and are just as good later. This trip we decided to try the Strawberry Chiffon and Tres Leches cake. Any time I see tres leches on a menu, I cannot pass it up! It was very good. I love that they have them individually made in containers since that helps to hold in the milk that makes tres leches so amazing. It is very rich so we have ate a little at a time. The Strawberry Chiffon was even more delicious than it was beautiful! I will definitely be getting it again on the next trip. It reminded me of a strawberry shortcake, only fancier. The cake was fluffy and the strawberries and cream were sweet without being overly so. I love trying different items every visit but this will certainly be a repeat every time. It's hard not to want one of each item that they offer. Everything looks so tempting! I can't wait to return and try more.

Elizabeth F.

We came to Optimistic Hall for lunch on Saturday afternoon. The bakery case spoke to me with the doughnut options. I also saw they had different sandwiches and rice bowls, so gave them a shot. I ordered the mojo chicken bowl and apple fritter to share. The doughnuts and fritters were quite reasonable at under $3. After 10 minutes or so the mojo chicken bowl arrived. It was very hearty, with ample black beans. I appreciated the lime to give it some citrus tone. Hubs and I shared the apple fritter afterwards. It has a good crisp to it and wonderful apple and cinnamon flavor. Definitely recommend. The menu had some fun options. I definitely would love to try more items!

Cubano sammie
Michelle M.

I had the Cubano sandwich with the Cuban coffee for lunch. For those unfamiliar, the coffee is more like a shot, and that thing powered me for 12 hours. I was so productive! The sandwich portion was generous and fed me twice. Would love to try their baked goods next time as they all looked delectable.

Croquetas
Ian A.

When I tell you that the croquetas here are amazing...they're amazing. Wow wow wow. I got an order of croquetas with café con leche. It made my whole Saturday. Service was great and quick. Good seating and nice decorations for the holidays.

My view while in line
Lowanda J.

When I first walked by this place, I noticed the dessert display right up front tempting me and everyone else to make a purchase. Not the first thing I would think of for a Cuban restaurant, but it does grab your attention. Suárez Bakery and Barra offers fresh Sammies, various bowls, snacks(sides), baked goods and coffee. There prices are very reasonable and service is swift. About 10-15 minutes during lunch time is good. I decided to go with the Mojo Chicken bowl and added a fried egg. All bowls include black beans, jasmine rice, maduros, pickled onions, and a slice of lime. My son went with the Chickpea and Sweet Potatoe bowl and added avocado. They were both very tasty and filling. I was too full to think about dessert, but later that evening I wish I had. I'll be sure to check out a few the next time.

Abel R.

Upon looking at the baked items, I knew I was in trouble. Everything looked phenomenal. I had the chocolate croissant. It was flavorful, flaky, and delicious. In my opinion, it would have tasted better if it was warm. Other than that, it's definitely worth a stop here at Optimist Hall.

God-tier Cuban Sandwich
Anthony N.

I just ate a next-level cuban sandwich at Suarez! I usually temper my expectations walking into a food hall joint, but their quality of food far exceeded my expectations. The sandwich itself was MASSIVE, the largest I've seen yet. Between layers of crusty Cuban bread, you get a huge pile of ham (off the bone, not lunch meat slices), and delicious Cuban pulled pork. Topped off with mustard, Swiss, pickes and mojo, it was easily one of the best sandwiches I've had in my entire life. Adding to the decadence was the crispy yuca fries on the side. With a perfect crusty brown exterior, and a lack of greasiness, it was exceptional dipped in the accompaniment of green mojo dip. I bought a vegan glazed donut for my son who is dairy- and egg-intolerant. He joyously gobbled it up. It was one of the best donuts I've tasted.

Cheesecake

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I ordered a tres leches iced coffee and it was phenomenal. The carrot cake and tres leches we're delicious!

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By far the most authentic sandwiches you will ever have in your life. This place has my loyalty for ever.

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Ask the Community - Suarez Bakery & Barra

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Tous Les Jours

Tous Les Jours

4.5(178 reviews)
5.7 miSouthPark
$$

I prefer this location over the South End location because it is more spacious and I feel like the…read morepastries taste better lol. I always get the garlic cheese croissant. The one at this location is even more amazing!!! A bit sweet and savory. I also got the pretzel that had some sort of custard inside and it was pretty good too. Coupled that with a matcha and I had a pretty great Sunday. I wish the flavor of the matcha was bolder though. My husband had the Ube and we both thought it was better than the matcha. Ambiance is cute and roomy. The staff is pretty nice but are sort of busy because this location gets swamped. There is a free parking deck connected to the building. This Southpark location is worth checking out.

Quick SouthPark sugar stop at Tous les Jours after a long afternoon of errands and shopping…read more Sometimes you do not need a full meal. You just need caffeine, carbs, and five minutes to reset your mood. I already knew exactly what I wanted, so this turned into a tactical pastry mission. Pulled into the little Piedmont Town Center circle with the fountain, double parked for a hot second, ran inside, grabbed an iced coffee and a mango croissant, and got right back out into Charlotte traffic. The mango croissant was flaky, buttery, lightly sweet, and filled with enough cream to make the entire stop worth it. Perfect little energy boost when your social battery and shopping patience are both running low. The location itself is great for a quick pop-in. Cute little area with hotels, restaurants, and walkable spots nearby. Easy place to grab a sweet treat before continuing your day. Life is too short to not eat well, Charlotte. Get out there and eat.

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Renaissance Pâtisserie - Chocolate Almond Croissant

Renaissance Pâtisserie

4.3(279 reviews)
5.4 miSouthPark
$$

discovered Renaissance Patisserie through the Charlotte in Bloom event a few weeks ago and finally…read moremade my way in to experience it for myself. They had offered samples of their lemon tart at the event, which stayed on my mind--so I came back and ordered the Lorraine-style quiche. It was rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced by a fresh side salad. I paired it with a café au lait, which was equally well done. The ambiance is effortlessly chic--very much reminiscent of a European café--and it was lively during lunch. It's the kind of place where you can sit, linger, and people-watch... and SouthPark definitely showed up in style. At one point, several guests seated near us were speaking French, which added to the authenticity and overall experience. Service was warm and efficient, even with the crowd. The bakery itself is on the smaller side--you order inside and then head outside to sit and eat. I went on a Sunday, so it was very busy with a long line, but it moved quickly. When seating fills up, the neighboring restaurant allows use of their patio, which is a thoughtful touch. My friend enjoyed her quiche as well, and we both agreed it's a spot worth returning to--whether for a casual lunch, coffee, or a pastry break. I also order a few macarons to go and my family enjoyed them.

Review for Renaissance Patisserie…read more After relocating to Charlotte from San Francisco, one of the first things I searched for was a proper kouign-amann (pronounced queen-ah-mahn). It's a staple where I'm from, and when I discovered that Renaissance Patisserie carried it, I made the drive immediately. I'm happy to say--this place is the real deal. The kouign-amann here reminded me of the ones back in San Francisco. It wasn't quite as buttery or rich as some of the West Coast versions, but it was absolutely enjoyable--and most importantly, I finished every bite. That alone says a lot. Location & setting: Renaissance is tucked into the upscale specialty shops of SouthPark, in a lovely, polished shopping center surrounded by quality retailers like Williams Sonoma and several restaurants. Parking is plentiful and convenient, and once you step out of your car, you're welcomed into a charming outdoor courtyard that feels relaxed and refined. You'll immediately notice the bright yellow awning--it's cheerful and inviting--and inside, the bakery is just as charming. The black-and-white tile floors, small bistro tables, and beautifully arranged pastry case create a classic European feel. It's not a huge space--maybe six or seven tables--but it feels cozy, elegant, and thoughtfully designed. What makes it special: * A stunning pastry case filled with beautifully crafted desserts and laminated pastries * Skilled bakers and decorators--you can tell there's real craftsmanship behind the products * Friendly, efficient service * Apple Pay accepted (always appreciated) * Self-service water and condiments station * Clean, comfortable environment * A lovely outdoor patio that's perfect when the weather cooperates I do wish they occasionally experimented with more creative variations of the kouign-amann--perhaps seasonal fruit or specialty flavors--but even in its classic form, it's consistently a hit. I've brought these pastries to friends and gatherings, and they're always well received. What I appreciate most is that Renaissance delivers on quality and consistency. It may be a newer trend here in Charlotte, but these pastries have been a long-standing favorite in cities like San Francisco, and it's wonderful to see that level of craftsmanship available locally. Bottom line: Beautiful pastries, fair prices, great service, and a polished, welcoming atmosphere. This has become my go-to bakery in Charlotte, and if you appreciate well-made French pastries, you will not be disappointed.

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Renaissance Pâtisserie - Too cute!!!

Too cute!!!

Renaissance Pâtisserie - Hazelnut Bunche de Noel

Hazelnut Bunche de Noel

Renaissance Pâtisserie - Wonderful pastries, taste amazing

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Amélie's French Bakery & Café - Macarons

Amélie's French Bakery & Café

4.2(884 reviews)
1.2 miUptown
$$

I loved the experience of this place. It was quaint and loved the ambiance of it all. We stopped…read morethrough after dinner up the street and I got a few treats to enjoy back at the hotel. I ordered the Biscoff cheesecake, a lemon bar, pecan and keylime tart....all delightful by the way. Definitely will come back the next time in town....you have to stop in if you are in the neighborhood!

Review for Amélie's French Bakery & Café…read more As a transplant from the West Coast--specifically San Francisco, where high-quality bakeries and true French pâtisseries are plentiful--I was genuinely excited to try Amélie's after moving to Charlotte. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing, and after giving it more than one chance, it's simply not a place I plan to return to. The concept feels more like a themed destination than a serious bakery. The interior is whimsical and eye-catching, with decorative elements like a faux Eiffel Tower, which clearly appeals to visitors looking for a fun atmosphere. However, if you've spent time in authentic French cafés or bistros, you know the real charm is understated elegance--wood, mirrors, tile, and craftsmanship. This felt more theatrical than authentic. Where it fell short for me was the food. For a place calling itself a French bakery and pâtisserie, the absence of classic laminated pastries was surprising. I was expecting staples like Napoleons, kouign-amann, or beautifully executed croissants. What I found instead were pastries that looked average and lacked the refinement and technique you'd expect from a true pâtisserie. On my visits, I tried: * A leek soup that was supposed to be cream-based but tasted thin and under-seasoned--more like warm vegetable water than a properly developed soup. * A baguette sandwich with fig, Brie, and apple that sounded promising but was poorly executed. The bread was overly hard, and the balance of ingredients felt off, making the sandwich less enjoyable than expected. I gave Amélie's two chances, hoping the second visit would change my impression. It didn't. To be fair, the café clearly has a loyal following and works well as a social or casual gathering spot. But if you're specifically looking for high-quality French pastries or refined bakery craftsmanship, there are stronger options in the Charlotte area. Personally, I'd recommend: * Renaissance Patisserie for more traditional European-style pastries * Paris Baguette at Rea Farms for consistency and better execution * Or trusted local favorites closer to home Bottom line: Fun atmosphere, but the food didn't meet expectations for a French bakery. After multiple visits, it's a pass for me.

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Amélie's French Bakery & Café - Line to order

Line to order

Amélie's French Bakery & Café - Samoa tart

Samoa tart

Amélie's French Bakery & Café - A different section upstairs

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A different section upstairs

Vicente - Breakfast Sando

Vicente

4.6(131 reviews)
3.0 miSouth End
$$

As a San Francisco Bay Area foodie who recently relocated to Charlotte, I keep a running list of…read morebakeries to explore--especially anywhere that might carry a proper kouign-amann (that glorious Breton pastry that is basically my kryptonite). That search led me to Vicente in South End, and I'm happy to say it absolutely earned its spot on my list. The kouign-amann here was slightly lighter and a bit less dense and buttery than the ones I remember from the Bay Area, but it still hit all the right notes--caramelized edges, flaky layers, and just enough indulgence to satisfy the craving. When you find one in Charlotte, you take note. I also ordered a frangipane (marzipan) croissant, which is always one of my go-to pastries when it's done well. This one delivered--rich, nutty, and comforting without being overly sweet. I'm not much of a chocolate pastry person, so I tend to gravitate toward custard- or almond-filled items, and this bakery clearly understands how to execute those classics. The space itself is beautiful--clean glass storefront, modern aesthetic, and a welcoming feel from the moment you walk in. It's attached to a large apartment complex with underground parking, which makes it surprisingly easy to access. Very walkable, very convenient, and refreshingly low-stress compared to some of the trendier spots. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the prices felt reasonable for the quality. One small wish: I'd love to see a late-day pastry special or a loyalty program. I'm the kind of regular who will absolutely show up more often if there's an incentive--and let's be honest, pastries are hard to resist when there's a little nudge. I'll definitely be back, especially if they start experimenting with more creative flavors. A kouign-amann with poached fruit--nectarine, mango, or passionfruit--would have me running back through the door. And candidly, I'm grateful Charlotte's pastry scene is still growing. It means there's room for bakeries like this to shine and keep raising the bar. As someone who loves good food, I'm always rooting for local bakers and artisans to succeed. Bottom line: A beautiful neighborhood bakery with solid execution, friendly service, and a kouign-amann worth the trip. I'll be back--and I'm keeping an eye on that pastry case.

Vicente is GOATed. I go there almost every Saturday for amazing pastries and breakfast sandwiches…read more I'm hesitant to leave a review because I don't want the line to get any longer. No better way to kick off your day than with a stop here. You are immediately hit with a heavenly aroma the second you walk in the door!

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Vicente - Inside

Inside

Vicente - Classic Croissant

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Tous Les Jours

Tous Les Jours

4.5(64 reviews)
2.5 miSouth End, Dilworth
$$

I still can't pronounce the name of this place, but that hasn't stopped me from eating what might…read morebe the best croissant money can buy. The garlic and cheese croissant at Tous Les Jours in South End is ridiculous in the best way possible. It's like a pizza shop decided to get into the breakfast business and accidentally invented a croissant. Crispy, buttery, cheesy, garlicky... basically everything you didn't know you needed in a pastry. It's delicious, borderline life-changing, and absolutely worth stopping in for. Everyone should eat one at least once.

Tous Les Jours is a small bakery located on a very busy street, and the biggest challenge here is…read moredefinitely parking. There's almost nowhere to park nearby, so if you're stopping in, be prepared for a quick visit and keep an eye out for the meter maid. Inside, the setup is simple and self-serve with pastries, coffee, and blended drinks. I went in specifically hoping to find cronuts or cruffins, but they don't carry anything like that. Most of the selection leaned toward classic pastries and cream-filled donuts. Everything looked fresh and tasted fine, but the variety felt fairly basic. In my opinion, it doesn't quite reach the same level as Paris Baguette when it comes to selection. Insider tip: Skip the weekends. It gets extremely crowded and parking is already challenging. Weekdays are a much better time to stop by. Overall, it's a decent place to grab a quick coffee and pastry if you're nearby, but probably not a destination bakery.

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Tous Les Jours
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Chez Marie Pâtisserie - Tea time tower

Chez Marie Pâtisserie

4.2(101 reviews)
5.9 miSouthPark
$$

This French bakery is a hidden gem tucked away in southpark . I sat outside with my puppy. I had…read morethe blue matcha which was quite unique. My friend had a dirty chi latte and we shared the lychee dessert. Wow it was delicious!!! I can't wait to try other options. Service was a bit slow due to the crowd of people that came in . However, it was a Sunday afternoon at 2pm .

Chez Marie is a bright, charming little patisserie at one corner of Sharon Corners shopping center…read more The blue and white ambiance lends a decidedly French air to the place, with its half-dozen or so tables inside and another four or five outside. The inside was immaculate and beckoning, with a two-sided display of the offerings and a shining espresso machine behind the register. The workers bore welcoming smiles and a a polite, inviting nature. All of that is the reason I give this patisserie three stars instead of two. While some foods are still a mystery to me - barbecue I can just take or leave, mostly leave - I know coffee and I know baked goods. The croissant I sampled was dry, implying unkindly that the flaky pastry dough was either formerly frozen or not fresh, and while croissants aren't exactly the moistest pastry to be found, the idea behind making them is kneading and rolling in a lot of butter, which I truly could not taste. What a disappointment. And somehow, somehow, my latte, albeit freshly prepared before me, was lukewarm when I took my first sip on the way to the car. How is that even possible? At the last minute, I asked for caramel to be added to my drink, but that was imperceptible too. I'd forgotten to ask for it to be half sweet, so I guess that was a blessing in disguise. When you stop by a bakery late in the day you sort of pays your money and takes your chances, but I visited just before noon. No crowds either. Disappointing all around, though again, the ambiance invites lingering. Cute bistro, lovely people, but - and I cannot believe I'm saying this - I'd have done better at the nearby Starbucks if all I wanted to do was get a latte and pastry. As the French would say, domage.

Photos
Chez Marie Pâtisserie - Inside

Inside

Chez Marie Pâtisserie - Cheese danish

Cheese danish

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Iced blue matcha!

Suarez Bakery & Barra - cuban - Updated May 2026

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